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  • Eugene Adkins 9:10 pm on April 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family,   

    “Sad Times at Pilgrim High” 

    What’s the new controversy on the street? A mural of a young boy, growing up and graduating from school? Nah. There’s nothing controversial about that. But a mural of a young boy, growing up, graduating from school…getting married and starting a “traditional” family. Now that’s controversial! At least that’s what some leaders of Pilgrim High School in Rhode Island considered it.

    Whatever “progress” those at the Pilgrim school have in mind, it will never get ahead of God’s plan for the family: one man, one woman, one life (Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:4-5).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:18 am on November 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family,   

    Ephesians 5 

    Following the New Testament plan, today we read Ephesians chapter 5. Its content includes:

    • Imitate God in everything: love and light (5.1-14)
    • "Watch where you’re going!" (5.15-21)
    • Take it home: wives and husbands (5.21-33)

    That second point is my paraphrase of verse 15a. My parents had to tell me that a lot, and I still need hear it.

    The NET Bible’s divisions of the chapter, at the link above, are also nifty: Live in love; Live in the light; Live wisely; Exhortations to households.

    Next week, the plan starts Monday with the book of Revelation. Why not join us?

     

  • TFRStaff 9:42 am on September 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, ,   

    Wives, submit to your husbands 

    Note: Below is Mike Glenn’s email to which a person had objected. It’s included here today (was sent yesterday) for your own objective analysis.

    Our text for the JG study today is 1Pet. 3:1-6. We are now living in a world where both in politics and in homes, women are claiming equal rights and equal position. The argument is made that women can do any job that men can. While our different physical make-up makes our abilities different, it would not matter if that were not the case. Remember that our slogan is, ‘if God says it…that settles it.’ God has said that wives are to be in subjection to their husbands (Eph. 5:22-24; 3:18). Moreover, He has said that women in general are to be subject to men for the following reasons: (1) The woman is the glory of the man (1 Cor. 11:7). (2) The man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man (1 Cor. 11:8). (2) The man is not for the woman, but the woman for the man (1 Cor. 11:9). (4) Adam was formed first, then Eve (1 Tim. 2:13) (5) Eve was deceived, not Adam (1 Tim. 2:14). God, of course, did not have to give us any reasons. His word alone would be sufficient for the faithful to follow. That is what it means to respect authority. Let’s briefly examine our text to see how diligently God expects this command to be followed.

    • God presents a case where the one whom God says is the leader is not the man he should be – he is not a Christian. His outlook on life, death, money, recreation, relationships, sex, raising children, dress and a host of other things is different than that of the Christian wife and is obviously not what God wants it to be.
    • This is a man who is not interested in studying the Bible, not interested in obeying God. God says that the wife’s subjection and faithfulness may be the avenue through which the husband is converted.
    • God also makes it clear that the wife is to conduct herself as a Christian in this relationship. She is not to give up her faithful conduct (vs. 2-4). She is under the authority of God first. God says that women who trusted in Him have always so conducted themselves (v. 5).
    • Sarah, Abraham’s wife, is set forth as an example of such subjection. You will remember that her subjection was such that she acquiesced in Abraham’s request to lie about being his wife. That is going beyond God’s will, but does show Sarah’s complete respect for Abraham’s authority.
    • While it is true that men are to treat their wives as they would treat themselves, their failure to do so does not change God’s requirement of the wives subjection. By the same token, in all matters of authority, the ungodly or hypocritical conduct of the man does not change the authority of his office so long as he is in it.

    I pray we are seeing the importance of this matter of respect for and submission to authority.

    Mik

     

  • TFRStaff 9:40 am on September 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, marital abuse, ,   

    On the abuse and submission of women 

    Note: Mike Glenn responds to someone who objected to his email, sent through his list.

    I received a response to yesterday’s email from someone who is not on the Joshua Generation list, but received it from someone. His objections merited some consideration and a response. This person basically made these points in stronger (not vulgar) language than I am including below.

    1. The biblical writers wrote about marriage they way they did because of the influence of their patriarchal society.

    2. That I suggested that women sin when they are unwilling to take abuse from their husband.

    I am sending you all my response to him as a tempering of any idea I may have left with any of you that men can be abusive or that women are required by God to take that abuse.

    Sir,

    Thank you so much for your response even though you are not on the Joshua Generation list. You have particularly objected to my last bullet point in the previous bulletin. Actually, you have read into my statements some things that are not meant and that I do not believe. I acknowledge that upon rereading the particular paragraph you note, I could have tempered it with some clarifying comments. I will send out another email doing that very thing. I do not ever “welcome” abuse and certainly do not intend to imply that women are required to take any abuse that comes their way. If you had a larger picture of my teaching, as those who are actually on my JG list, you would know that already.

    I do see the influence of a patriarchal society in scripture. Some of that influence is ungodly and contrary to God’s will, but thankfully, most of that influence is God inspired. Men are to love their wives as their own bodies. They are to nourish them and cherish them. Tlhey are to treat them in such fashion that their influence will lead their wife to salvation (Eph. 5:22-31). In addition, Peter says that they are to give them honor (1 Pet. 3:1-6). All of this is to be done whether or not the wife chooses to follow God’s plan of submission. Of course, a husband who does this would never make demands that are not spiritually, physically or emotionally beneficial to his wife. Christ loved the church in the same way.

    Also, Eph. 5:21 says that we are to “submit one to another. That raises some interesting thoughts. Elders are overseers of the church and yet they are to submit to the church. Husbands are over their wives and yet they are to submit to their wives. How can that happen? The answer lies in the the biblical teaching of servanthood and in the principles of love that guide that. As Jesus is the Lord and Master to whom we must submit, he yet gave us an example of continuous service to his fellow man, the majority of whom would continue to reject His efforts to save them (Jn. 13:13-15). We are taught to consider the needs of others first (Matt. 6:12; Phil. 2:3-4). Paul, an apostle with authority from the Lord, said that he was willing to use himself and to be used by others in order to serve them (2 Cor. 12:15). The Bible teaches that authority is never exercised correctly if it is not in conjunction with service. This is why elders are told to oversee and rule the church of God (Heb. 13:7, 17, Acts 20:28) at the same time they are told not to be “lords” over the sheep. They do that by first considering the needs and desires of the congregation and the impact of their decisions.

    All of us sir, have some situations wherein our mate does not obey what God says about how they should act in the marriage relationship. Quite a large number of those in marriage relationships take varying degrees of mistreatment that affect us emotionally, physically or spiritually. That mistreatment of a husband toward his wife or a wife toward her husband does not negate our responsibility to act as God directed. We must be very careful to not read abuse into every little mistreatment that occurs. That does not mean that a person must take abuse that is dangerous to their well-being. Their are biblical concepts of spiritual and physical self-protection and self-preservation that may bring about the separation of spouses rather than the suffering of abuse. I do not believe that wives are to continually suffer abuse at the hands of their ungodly husbands.

    Mike

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 8:12 am on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, ,   

    Nudge: worth remembering 

    Memories

    What have you done lately that’s worth remembering? Worth adding to your treasury of memories? Worth telling your grandkids about a few decades down the road?

    It could be a trip, a good deed, a funny event, an important step in your life, a new habit begun, or an old one surrendered.

    The Nudge is back today with a singular question.

    I pray you have something to share.

    If not, make a memory, as they say. Embark on a new venture.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 12:08 pm on July 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, ,   

    Travel tips 

    We’re having fun with family, already drove from Tenn. to Miss. and back since Tuesday. Next week, to Ark. and back.

    • Today is the grandbaby’s first birthday, with full rights to Brazilian-style party, churrasco cookout, vinagrete (Brazilian version of galo de pico, much superior), brigadeiro chocolate sweets, passion-fruit mousse. The thunderstorm has blown over, we hope the ground dries before 5 p.m.

    • In the photo, the daughters-in-law and daughter (middle) are fixing the brigadeiros and the other sweets with coconut. They have to be rolled by hand.

    • An incentive to keep my gray-speckled beard: the other day I got the Senior drink discount at Jack’s Hamburgers. Any squeamishness at people thinking I’m old is overcome by this Scottish-blood satisfaction at saving a penny. Nothing comparable to this in Brazil.

    • When flying with family, the good-looking daughter gets x-rayed. One gets this suspicious feeling it’s not a coincidence. Maybe I’ve been in Brazil too long, where people generally don’t trust officials with badges and clothing patches.

    • I’m keeping up with the Portuguese and English devotionals so far, if but a bit later in the day than usual. No images for the webpages, but the essential text is there.

    • During our 25+ years, we’ve never taken a vacation. We’re considering this our first. On the flight to Houston, the Lord gave each of us an empty seat next to our economy straight-jackets. More room, more rest.

    • Oh, the travel tips: travel light, don’t carry valuables, be flexible, go during off-season, take plenty of sunscreen, fingernail clippers, and patience. And enjoy. Like me.

    UPDATE: The Missus says we’ll have the fantastic, unique Brazilian cheesebread, pão de queijo. Life just went up another notch.

     

    • Mike Riley 2:11 pm on July 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, You mean they didn’t x-ray you to see whether or not you were carrying a WMD? By the way, never say, “Hi Jack” on an airplane, cause that’s an immediate dead give away! HA!

      And all of this bread and stuff is making me very hungry. You are one lucky man to have all of those good cooks at your beck and call.

      And you’re not old yet! HA!

      Enjoy your vacation – you and your family deserve one after 25+ years!

      Mike

    • Ron 6:44 am on July 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I enjoyed reading this, especially the portion about the senior discount. I am not sure when it will APPEAR that I need one (I think I am a couple-three years behind you), but that discount will be nice.

      • J. Randal Matheny 7:40 am on July 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Mike, it was all tasty, wish you could have been here. It’s been great thus far.

        Ron, I trimmed the beard back to the nub, so I’ll probably not get another discount for a while. :)

    • Chad Dollahite 4:44 pm on July 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Sounds like a lot of fun…hope you enjoy your time here & have safe travels

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:33 am on May 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family, John Donne, meditations   

    ‘Whensoever mine shall come’ 

    Winter is setting in, it seems. Although the day invites laziness — cloudy, 57º, with a forecast of rain — much needs to be done today. No meetings scheduled, but plenty of other tasks, writing and such. The Maiden is teaching English at a language school on Saturday mornings from 8-11 a.m., so the mornings are quieter. Not that she’s a noisy person, no.

    • The daily devotional is done already. I wish I could keep up the English translation, but that’s down the list of important tasks. Maybe today, who knows? I used to make a bit of a deal about them being translated from the Portuguese, but these days I just stick them on my blog and let it go at that.

    • Last night, I talked to my parents for about an hour. I enjoy catching up with them, grateful to have them in my life still. Keeps me up with the old hometown as well. The other day, while in BK, the retired people’s hangout, they ran into an old school friend of mine I’ve not seen since 1975, when I transferred from Lafe school after finishing the 11th grade. Lots of water under the bridge since then.

    • Yes, I went to the same school, same building, for 11 years, then transferred my last year to Marmaduke High School, into a class three times larger. I thought it was the end of the world. Things have a way of turning out, though.

    • Thanks to Richard M. for the kind review of my book, Choose!. The sequel has gotten gummed up somewhere, but maybe I can brush off that project for another rousing success. After some other items get checked off the list.

    • Many people we know have passed on recently, not to mention the many deaths from the tornadoes, floods, and other disasters that have struck towns and cities around the globe. We pray, we send money, some are able to go and give physical help. Our brief mortality rings in our ears constantly, does it not? But the Christian is not disheartened by it. On the contrary, he can say as John Donne, in his Meditation XVI:

    God hath kept the power of death in his own hands, lest any man should bribe death. If man knew the gain of death, the ease of death, he would solicit, he would provoke death to assist him by any hand which he might use. But as when men see many of their own professions preferred, it ministers a hope that that may light upon them; so when these hourly bells tell me of so many funerals of men like me, it presents, if not a desire that it may, yet a comfort whensoever mine shall come.

    Than with that, what better way to conclude?

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:21 pm on March 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family, greek   

    Literal Reading 

    I am a novice at Greek. Yet, I enjoy using the tools that I have to do research on God’s Word. I enjoy the word studies that we can do as students of the inspired Scripture. In the process, I get my NKJV Greek  English New Testament Interlinear out and read what the passage says in a literal translation. Even though their word orders differ from ours, their usage does illuminate some interesting nuances that can be special to the student and teacher as they prepare to impart lessons to their listeners.

    For example, John 14:23 says in the NKJV,  “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’”

    However, the literal reading in my Interlinear paints a more passionate and personal version of the same verse. It says, “answered – Jesus and said to him ‘If anyone loves  Me,  word My he will keep. And – Father My will love him, and to him We will come and Our abode with him We will make.”

    That is wonderful to me. “…loves Me, word My he will keep…” They are one and same! The Word and the Savior cannot be separated.  “father My” is also poignant and denotes a passionate bond between them. Finally, I love the statement: “to him We will come and Our abode with him We will make.” That is so much more expressive than the English in my mind.

    If we would look at the Word, the Savior and the Kingdom in such personal, familial terms, we would all have a deeper relationship with them.

     

  • Glenda Williams 3:37 pm on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family, ,   

    Grandma’s treadle machine is at rest 

    Grandma Evie Lee Bryant had a treadle sewing machine, identical to the one pictured, to which I have fallen heir. She did sewing and alterations while peddling with both feet and guiding the fabric at the needle with her hands. Grandma enjoyed piecing and quilting  tops. She taught me to quilt on wood quilting frames that rested on four straight back chairs. Everyone learned fast Grandma didn’t like it when we bumped the quilting frame. A quilter could stick their finger or the frame might fall off the chair back.

    Grandpa sat on his yellow platform rocker and cut out quilt squares for Grandma when he wasn’t reading his Bible. More often than not, Grandpa, with his 6′ 4″ thin statue, sat with his legs crossed. The crossed foot easily touched the floor. Grandpa usually had an open Bible on his lap. If you caught him just right you could see a puff of smoke drifting up from the black pipe in his mouth. When things got quiet and still, Grandpa rested his nose between his right thumb and pointer finger, sliding it gently up and down his nose as he lulled himself to sleep while sitting on his chair.

    Grandma’s treadle sewing machine hasn’t been used in many years. It has a prominent place in our home. At the age of 11 years mother stood and sewed     clothes for her doll on the machine. That makes it priceless to me.  And the  time Grandma spent teaching me to quilt wasn’t wasted either.  Today I follow her tradition as I  quilt a top made from scraps that mother had saved.

    Paul told Titus 2:3-5…”the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — that they  admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discrete, chaste, homemakers, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word    of God may not be blasphemed.”  True teaching which is needed today, but often     left forgotten.

     

    • Mike Riley 3:49 pm on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Amen, Glenda! Great story of the fortitude of people who lived in a time where quality made a difference, including high moral standards.

      Like your grandmother, my grandmother had (an used) an old Singer sewing machine for many years. They are relics now, but still a great reminder of those folks who sacrificed their time, talents and energy in order to help others.

  • Mike Riley 9:46 am on January 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family, , , shake,   

    On The Family Tree 

    I don’t want to shake down anyone on my family tree, because I’m afraid to know what kind of person I might find. :)

    I leave all of that in the Lord’s very capable hands.

     

  • TFRStaff 5:37 am on January 10, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family, , ,   

    Will my child be lost, too? 

    The bulletin of the Southwest church has a good article that reminds us that God’s truth doesn’t change, even when it concerns our children. It seems hard at times, but God’s love doesn’t have soft spots. Since it takes a while to get the bulletins and articles up on the site, and since the mind won’t remember to link to it later, we’re posting it here. Their bulletin and the school’s paper are worth signing up to.

    "I Just Don’t Know If He Will Be Lost, If…"

    Marvin L. Weir

    Many parents abandon logic and reason when sinful situations occur that involve their children. They convince themselves that the Scriptures are not clear regarding the matter and question whether or not God’s grace will surprise some with what it covers. We need to be very careful lest we accuse God of failing to supply us with a clear roadmap to heaven. The Psalmist did not hesitate to exalt God’s Word as a clear and adequate guide. He said, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa. 119:105). It is also very clear that God’s grace will never cover sin when one refuses to repent (Luke 13:3). Let us consider several statements I have heard brethren make over the years.

    "I just don’t know if my son will be lost if he is not baptized."

    The Word of God clearly states that salvation is located in Christ (2 Tim. 2:10). Where is the Scripture that states that hearing, belief, repentance, or confession puts one into Christ? You will search in vain for such a Scripture. But listen as Paul speaks to the Galatians in saying, "For as many as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27, emphasis supplied). One is not in Christ who has not been scripturally immersed for the remission of his sins (cf. Acts 2:38). Belief does not wash away one’s sins. Baptism will, however, wash away sins of one who has repented. The bible gives us such an example in Paul’s conversion. Ananias goes to Paul and says, "And why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and was away thy sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16, emphasis supplied). (More …)

     

  • Mike Riley 7:14 am on November 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , civility, decorum, , family, official, , , , ,   

    Incivility Overpowers Our Society 

    Ramnath Subramanian, a sixth-grade science teacher at Eastwood Knolls School in El Paso, writes for the El Paso Times on educational topics.

    In his Thursday article, http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_16515180, he points out the following:

    “I applaud any effort by school officials to promote decorum and civility in the school milieu. However, I am acutely aware of the fact that family, community, and the popular culture play a larger and more defining role in children’s lives than schools.”

    Yes, education begins in the home (Ephesians 6:4; cf. Genesis 18:16-19).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:12 am on October 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family   

    Our family will be all day in Sao Paulo, where Vicki and I will teach in a congregational Family Day. Pray we may teach well and touch lives for God.

     

    • stevelucas 4:19 am on October 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Done! We all know that God will be lifted up as a result of your and Vicki’s efforts.

      May you a take moment to remember Jerry Jenkins and his family as his time on earth is short.

    • Mike Riley 7:57 am on October 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      We pray that your teaching will be successful.

    • J. Randal Matheny 4:20 pm on October 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks for your prayers. We arrived back around 7 p.m., seemed to go well. I gave three classes, then Vicki taught the ladies while the men were at my mercy. Ran into rain on the way back, always a tiresome factor while driving. But we’re home and all is good.

  • Glenda Williams 8:55 am on September 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, , homesick,   

    “I wanna go home.” 

    From time to time  mother says, “I wanna go home.”  I have learned she is referring to her physical  home with her mother and daddy. “Up yonder where they live,” she will reply when queried.   We’ve revisited how her parents have passed away, funeral, burial spot and how we  put flowers on their graves. We’ve covered their being  saved and that one day we will have a grand reunion with them once again.

    No matter the age,  we never lose our desire to go home. Mother’s parents have been dead 46 years. She is ninety-nine years old and still wants to go home. The desire to be home with loved ones resides deep within and never leaves us.

    A girlfriend used to bring her accordian to school occasionally. At lunch time she would sing and play for us. One of the songs she sang was “I’m homesick for Heaven, I’ve got a longing to go.”  Today I can still see her loving smile and hear her beautiful, deep, voice as she sang the song.

    We can look back through the eyes of memory to the homes we once had, but we look forward to a far greater heavenly home that is being prepared for those who love Him.  It is a good thing to be homesick for Heaven and have a longing to go.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 11:43 am on August 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family,   

    Grandbaby is wonderful 

    • I held Eden Lynne, age 3 weeks, for the first time last night as we introduced ourselves. She calls me vovô. We have lots to talk about.
    • Trip updates on my blog, the latest: “The Bed of Hospitality.” No bed like my own, but if I can’t sleep there, this is a good one. Glad to welcome the Sherman Drive congregation in Denton TX and the Central church in Chandler OK as ministry partners. They join Eureka IL as the most recent congregations.
    • Have stayed several places with no Internet access or limited service. We’re finally in a spot, until tomorrow, that has wifi. Tomorrow, state #4, Alabama.
    • Lunched with son Micah yesterday in Jackson TN, supped with Joel, Tansy and Eden last night in Mt Juliet TN. Just haven’t seen Valerie yet. Tomorrow, Val.
    • Just now listened on iPreach to preachers Jason Moon of Chase Park church and Ron Williams of Lincoln congregation, in Huntsville, Ala., talk about the latter hosting the former while their new building was going up. Valerie grew up in the former, then Memorial Parkway, where she married son Micah, and where they now worship. Valerie’s dad Derek is the deacon in charge of the building process. Ron and his twin brother Don were in my class, and same dorm, at FHU.
    • Chris Gallagher posted my guest article about why I love the church on his website.
    • I wrote a short article on “5 Reasons Not to Blog” on my website. Negative approach, maybe still valid.
    • Stephen is getting up a committee to change the theme back to the old P2 group blog. I might join it. Seems we’ve had fewer posts since we went to the default theme. I’d like to hear more people comment on his post about this, especially from the Fellows. What say you?
    • Time to visit the grandkid again. I hear her calling me.
     

    • Tina Cutsinger 12:03 pm on August 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      YaY !

    • Richard Mansel 12:17 pm on August 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      We can go back to the older setup. We will just have the comment problems again.

      Granddaughters are wonderful! Enjoy!

    • Ron 1:25 pm on August 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, Stephen, and I talked about how we like it the other way also. However, Richard M, I suspect, is probably correct. Just the same, there has to be a trade-off on some things. I need to click the “box” to send me the replies that come.

      Once again, appreciate the work of all, especially Randal in the initiating of it.

  • Mike Riley 3:38 pm on July 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, , major, , quite, restful, , ,   

    No major plans for the 4th. Just a quite, restful weekend with the family. I think wife and son are making homemade ice cream tomorrow (Saturday). I’ll be the supervisor in charge of eating! :)

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 1:03 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Slow 

    I noticed the site is slow today, understandably so, with the holiday weekend.

    My parents and I went to the Purcell Cemetery, north of Marmaduke, Ark., but inside Clay County, where my grandparents, great-uncle and -aunt and great-grandfather are buried, besides some other kinfolk. I took a few pics of some other headstones, people unrelated, from the 1800s. If your Saturday is slow, check them out here.

    My mom measured my grandparents’ tombstone to see about adding a vase or something to hold flowers. The clip that was there disappeared.

    Talked to my wife’s brother on skype, talking now to The Wife. Earlier today a cousin and her mother came by. Haven’t seen my aunt in quite a few years. That was a good visit. Other than that, has been a slow day around here as well.

     

  • joyjensen 11:09 am on April 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family,   

    I am reflecting upon the wonderful family God has given to me. Tuesday George and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. I am so very thankful that he is my husband and father to our children. We both readily admit that we are far from perfect, but we have striven to keep God in the center of our home. Our son, Jacob, age 21, preached a very good lesson this morning. Our children are such a blessing in our lives, and I am often humbled when I think of their goodness. They teach me alot.

     

  • Richard Hill 2:09 am on April 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, ,   

    Thoughts on home 

    What comes to mind when you think of home? The familiar. The sights and smells of normal. Water that tastes “right.” That comfortable chair. Same goes for the bed. Peace and quiet. The regular routine. But mostly home is about the people you love. Everything else can be in place, but if the ones you love aren’t there, it doesn’t really feel like home.

    Someday we will all be home–when all the family will be gathered in. What a day that will be. And Barbara is already a step ahead of us.

    I’ve met so many of our brothers and sisters for the first time and, after a few hours of talking, felt like I’d known them all my life. I wonder if this won’t happen over, and over, and over again in heaven.

    Growing up, my immediate family wasn’t large. My present family isn’t either, so heaven will be a change, but it’s a change I can get used to.

    Having participated in the Fellowship Room for a few months, I have a great desire to meet every one of you. I realize that will not likely happen this side of heaven, but I’m confident we will meet–someday. And talk. And in a very short span it will seem as if we had always known each other. Till then.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 10:39 pm on April 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family,   

    Home for me 

    When we moved to Brazil in 1984, I told my wife that this was home. Home is where our family is. I’d heard missionaries talk about going “home” to the States. They’d never made the switch in their emotional loyalties.

    To this day people will ask me, “So are you going to make Brazil your home?” I want to tell them, “I made Brazil my home on Nov. 28, 1984.”

    Last year, I traveled in the U.S., alone, for two months. Every day, I missed home. Every day, I wanted to go home. I love my parents, siblings, uncles and aunts. I love the land of my birth, visited my old high school and congregation where I was baptized. I’m grateful for those roots.

    But I wasn’t home.

    Now, let me shift gears.

    Home is the haven where we rest, relax, enjoy each other, cherish our family. And it’s a place where we open the door for hospitality. For people to share in the gospel, the peace of where we live, the love that reigns here. Home is the place where we learn trust, forgiveness, tolerance, truth. Home is the promise of heaven.

    Home is to me the sweetest word.

     

  • Mike Riley 1:32 pm on April 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family, , , ,   

    I’d rather give up my computer. My car is a necessity to get to work and bring in some money to sustain my family, the computer is not a necessity.

     

  • Richard Mansel 2:49 pm on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Various Thoughts 

    I hope all of you as readers have a blessed day. We appreciate so very much your reading our humble thoughts. God Bless you.

    I am enjoying listening to the New Testament while I am working at my desk. I am up to 1 Corinthians. The collection has 14 CD’s.  The Gospel and Acts/Romans constitute nine CD’s. When you get to Corinthians, it goes pretty quickly. This will be my third time to listen to them this year. I recommend it to everyone.

    We are preparing for our Gospel Meeting with Alan Wright on April 4-8. He will do a great job. I get to travel to Savannah to speak for him that Sunday. That will be a joy.

    I’ve not been posting lately because of my hectic life.  Maybe I can be more active. I appreciate the Fellows! Tell everyone about the site.

    The Proverbs are an endless well of wisdom and knowledge. It would take a lifetime to barely plumb its depths. I call myself a student of human nature, so the Proverbs are indispensable in this quest. I need to get the Old Testament on CD, so I can listen to them. The wisdom literature would be very popular.

    From my Facebook posting this morning:  “I love my family. Their hearts matter more than their weaknesses. I want you to think well of them, so I share only their joy here. Insulting them insults myself. The Golden Rule applies to my family, as well.”

     

    • Ron 3:06 pm on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Appreciate the thoughts.

      • Richard Mansel 4:59 pm on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you, brother.

    • Mike Riley 4:56 pm on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, we are appreciative of your work for the Lord and your input here on this good site. May the Lord continue to bless our work in His kingdom.

      • Richard Mansel 5:00 pm on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you. Your work here far outdistances mine. God Bless you!

  • Laura 12:11 pm on March 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, , ,   

    What is the secret of a good family life? 

    Today’s nudge is, what is the secret to having a good family life? From my experience, the old saying is true: “The family that prays together, stays together.”

    Having God and His church as the central focal point of the family is the key to a good and happy family life. It first starts with the parents. If both parents are focused on God and share the same goal of getting themselves, their mate, and their family to heaven, then they are working as a team. The selfish ambitions that arise in many marital relationships simply do not happen in this environment.

    From there, the parents need to be actively involved in the work of the church and involve the children at an early age. Working for the church should be second nature to breathing for the parents, and the children should be taught accordingly — to be workers and not lazy. Any task the child can help with should be given as early as he is able to do so. E.g., helping prepare food for others, sorting clothing to give to the poor, grading Bible correspondence courses, straightening books in the pews, helping prepare communion trays, etc. Anything. What this results in is the family becoming a team, a well oiled machine, so to speak, that works together for the Lord. Children are taught to think about others, rather than themselves and learn that true satisfaction and happiness comes from giving, rather than receiving.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 10:58 am on March 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Family life & news 

    Ranae & I will celebrate 10 years of marriage this June. We do enjoy a great family life. It starts with being the right person and choosing the right person (poor choices in the beginning make things more difficult). Then, you must keep investing time in the family as it changes with circumstances (the addition of kids, job changes, health problems, etc.). Ultimately, I keep coming back to Phil. 2:3,4 in my mind – “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Following that will certainly lead to a great family life.

    And speaking of family, we’re looking forward to our 4th son being born sometime in mid-April. Thank you for your prayers.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 8:56 am on March 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Daily Nudge: family life — and news 

    The big Nudge question today is, “What is, in your view and from your experience, the secret of a good family life?” And secret it must be, considering so many families don’t have a healthy relationship.

    More rain in the forecast today, so I’m gonna wear my galoshes and carry my umbrella. I’ve asked Noah for the plans to the ark and am checking on the prices for gopher wood. I don’t mind the rain. It keeps the heat bearable. But doesn’t do much for our meetings. Some people ride buses, must walk long distances, have muddy areas to go through. Try doing that with a small kid. Others of us have conveniences of which the ancients never dreamed. Zip here, zip there, keep your feet dry, your hair in place.

    Oh, news: our good brother George Bailey will have surgery Tuesday to replace his aortic valve. The family asks for prayers.

     

    • Mike Riley 2:09 pm on March 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, will put our brother, George Bailey, on our prayer list.

    • Ed Boggess 11:37 pm on March 7, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Secret? My wife. We celebrated our 86th wedding anniversary last January 25th (43 for me and 43 for her). She has taught me so much; how to love, how to think like a Christian, how to put others first, on and on (most of these I am still working on or rather He is still working on me). As I look at it, all I contributed was a willingness to learn.

  • Mike Riley 2:48 pm on March 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family, , , , , ,   

    How do I rest? By taking long walks by myself. It is during these long walks, that I can best reflect on my life, my family, my priorities, and my spiritual goals in life. Some praying is in order as well. It’s also a time when I come up with some ideas for future articles.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 9:09 pm on February 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    My most positive word today? The sarcastic side of me (which is quite large, mind you) wants to say: “proton” or perhaps “11/06/2012″ (can a date count as a word?) :)
    Seriously, I think “family” is my answer. As I look at my three sons and see their progress, I am so encouraged. There is indeed a time for everything. As I look at their mother and see her entering the final six weeks before bringing another boy into this world, I am thrilled at her beauty & grace. None of them are perfect, but they are so lovely to me.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:38 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family   

    Where did everybody go today? Yesterday was great, lots of terrific posts. But that was yesterday and it’s a new day today.

    I missed swimming class after a 2-hour skype conversation with one of our sons in the U.S. That was great, well worth skipping the pool, hadn’t talked to him in a long while. But now to get to my articles and other items that are pending.

    When we first came to Brazil we had a weekly ham radio schedule, when the conditions permitted. Those were the days.

     

    • Mike Riley 8:28 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Where has everybody gone? I guess they are taking advantage of the MLK holiday today. My wife and I attended a breakfast with some members of the church this morning ’till about 10:00 MST. We really do enjoy the association – we try to solve all of the world’s problems in our conversation, but I’m afraid the world has to many problems to get that job accomplished! (:

      • Randal Matheny 8:30 pm on January 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Ah, I’d forgotten about that. But surely not everybody is off sleeping late and having extended meals. ;-)

  • J. Randal Matheny 5:05 pm on January 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family,   

    My parents taught me 

    The Daily Nudge asks who taught us the gospel. I’m thankful to God to have been brought up in a Christian home. My parents are devoted Christians and were serious about their faith. There was never a moment, never a question, never a doubt, about participating in the meetings and activities of the church. And when a preacher in our rural congregation stated publicly that we could fellowship denominations, we, and all the Mathenys, left and went over to the next city to meet with a faithful church there. When teen pressure moved me to request exceptions to church attendance, my dad was firm. Whenever someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my dad beat me to the answer, “We hope he’ll be a gospel preacher.”

    There were, obviously, other godly influences in my life, but none so constant nor consistent as my parents.

     

    • Mike Riley 5:18 pm on January 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, and we thank God for providing parents like yours! May He grant us more of them, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • J. Randal Matheny 10:41 pm on January 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Of Friends and Family in the Gospel 

    From Wednesday night to this morning I was offline because of a visit from out-of-state friends. We squeezed every minute out of their time here. They are a dedicated family to the gospel. They brought us the blessing of their zeal and devotion to Christ. If only God would multiply their number, the gospel would advance quickly and boldly in Brazil and other countries as well.

    Then, because of late nights and strange food, but thankfully after they had left, I had one of my cramping spells that confined me to bath and bed for the evening. But I’m up and recovered.

    We awoke with a start this morning. It turned out to be the bird of blessing that had invaded our bathroom and brought me a prayer for you.

    It has rained all day. I pray people may be saved from flooding, which has occurred the last several weeks in the region. The rain has gone from being a blessing to an inconvenience to a threat to life and property.

    To end the evening, a movie with wife and daughter. The latter just made an effort to make sure it’s one from our collection that I’d enjoy watching — which is difficult, since I’m not one much for reruns, with a few exceptions, and it’s too late for LOTR. Our daughter is a jewel. No goon is worthy of her.

    So offline we go again for a few hours as the first day of a blessed new year winds down.

    Have a great year!

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 8:43 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family,   

    The Christmas Bacon 

    Today’s Daily Nudge asks the Fellows’ perspective on Christmas. I’m looking forward to their replies. Some people find it problematic, like a close friend of mine, and don’t celebrate it in any form. Others go whole hog, as we used to say in Arkansas. (I was never a whole-hog person myself, since I didn’t like snouts or feet; I stick with bacon.)

    Anyway, I hope there’s some bacon in my perspective on Christmas offered up yesterday on Forthright Magazine, called “Baby Jesus“.

    Ten-year-old Daniel was with us for the afternoon on Sunday, so my daughter and he put up our tree and decorated it. Nothing like having a child around to make the holiday sparkle.

    Christmas is a time for family, and even though our sons and daughters-in-law are on different continents, we’ll feel them nearer than on most days. I hope you can hug your family members tight.

    Before people get whisked away in the bustle of the Yuletide, let me get in my first Christmas blessing to you, praying the Lord will give you joy and safety during the season. Remember that the true joy comes from a relationship with the Lord, so that, regardless of our circumstances, pleasures or trials now, we have a peace and hope that reach into the heavens. If you don’t have that, start here. And take it all the way home.

    A blessed Christmas to all, and to all a good fight of faith.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 11:50 am on December 12, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , family   

    Of children and Bible reading 

    Here is a story about Brazil’s poor children to warm your heart. And perhaps stir your generosity or motivate you to find an opportunity. This is the perfect season, if there is one, to remember the children. The news report tells about a special program to reach and help the kids in the northeast. (Besides the three children’s homes now operating here and several other daycare and other efforts.)

    Speaking of children, the Daily Nudge asks today the Fellows’ best tip on child-rearing (I still prefer rearing to raising). That ought to be interesting to read.

    Several of us have had some fine discussions, here, on my blog and on Facebook, about personal and congregational Bible reading. In the midst of those, I’ve been preparing a Bible reading schedule to share with people here in Brazil for next year. Finally uploaded it to our website. It takes the 260 chapters of the New Testament and organizes them, quite nicely, if I do say so, into the 261 weekdays, minus Jan. 1, of 2010. Maybe I’ll translate it and share with you.

    My idea at the moment is for that reading schedule to serve as my map of activities in teaching and writing next year. Home group study for evangelism. E-devotionals. Sermons. Maybe even the Bible school, if the brethren think it good. We’ll see how that goes.

     

  • mtmcvb 2:01 pm on December 8, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, ,   

    A child was taken away from its family and given to the Mother’s former lesbian lover.

     

  • Richard Mansel 3:24 pm on December 2, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Stan Mitchell discusses the decline of the American family and how we act as parents — will we be godly or popular?

     

  • Richard Mansel 2:57 pm on December 2, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family, , ,   

    “Gay Infatuation Syndrome” 

    Jennifer Roback Morse defines the “Gay Infatuation Syndrome” as “anything that makes gays look good is newsworthy.” This leads the media to grasp at anything they can see as positive.  Morse examines an article in the [London] Times Online and an article that claims that Lesbians make better parents. Of course, they provide absolutely no proof of this flimsy assertion.  Read Morse’s breakdown of the piece.

    The media is always desperate for anything that makes Christianity and morality look bad. However, their efforts are pathetic and evidence of the effects of Satan in our world (1 Peter 5:8).Never believe their lies (John 8:44).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:40 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , family, ,   

    Finally! I bopped out my article today at Forthright Magazine, as I sweltered in the heat and fought that wet-rag feeling and mental lethargy that the high temps bring on. You judge if I was successful or not, with Get Out of My Life!.

    I’m trying to decide if it’s going to be useful or not, and I got the feed installed on my personal website, but my FriendFeed account is up if you have any use for it. I couldn’t get it to list the Forthright site, however. Perhaps a sign it doesn’t like the Moveable Type software, who knows?

    The Daily Nudge asks our greatest joy of late. Mine would have to be having my wife and daughter with me, after a lonely weekend. They went on a women’s retreat and I was left staring at two dogs who wanted their biscuits which I couldn’t find and discovered we didn’t have. Good thing I didn’t get devoured by these ferocious beasts. I’ve taken hits for it, but I’ll say it again: pets ain’t family. So my joy was to have the ladies of my life restored to me.

     

  • Weylan Deaver 3:01 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Clare Boothe Luce, family   

    “The truth is that very little can be done by government to shore up the family, although a great deal can be done and has been done to hasten its collapse.”

    Clare Boothe Luce was U.S. ambassador to Italy under President Eisenhower, and served on President Reagan’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. The above quote is from a 28 May 1978 speech, as reproduced in the December 2009 Townhall magazine, p. 75. And she is right. Government cannot force people to behave morally. But it can create an environment which fosters immorality, and that is what we have today.
     

  • J. Randal Matheny 12:36 pm on November 26, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: family,   

    Whew! I’ve been running DW and DD around town this morning. They go after lunch to a women’s retreat, returning Saturday night, so I get left by my lonesome on Thanksgiving. But I’ll take them out for lunch before the drive off into the west. No cranberry sauce here today.

    A couple more Fellows are now set; we hope to see several more in the next day or so. Only the true believer-addicts are still connected to the Internet, the rest are out having fun with family and slaving in the kitchen. (One or two may have Internet hookup in the fridge or microwave.) A holiday may not be the best time to launch because of that, but it may also be the best time to launch since people are off work. Whatcha think?

    Anyway, I’ll be around the office this afternoon to watch the FR developments, since there’ll be only two dogs and miscellaneous fish at home. *sniff, sniff*

    The Daily Nudge, a plug or line the administrator sets that only the Fellows can see, says today, “Tell us what you’re thankful for.” Maybe our visitors and friends might like to chime in on that one in the comments.

     

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